JoS/Kanna/4th Journal - Apprentice's Duties

Hearthfire, 4th, 3E 427

What a long and weird day today was. Me and Karim recently went back that dusty little Dwemer ruin and came back with a lot of loot. It was a lot of fun, but that doesn't take anything away from two weird occurrences.

It started with me waking up to a disturbing dream. I was walking alongside someone, a grey figure with a strange golden mask was walking ahead of me, holding something in his hand. It was a leash, and it was connected to a collar on my neck. My hands were tied together with orange metal cuffs, and the same kind of cuffs also were around my ankles. Apart from that, I was wearing nothing. There were people all around us, and there was nothing I could do to cover myself up. All I could do was follow that strange man.

There were elves and humans, men and women, all were unresponsive, and they looked like undead with their patches of rotting flesh on their skin. The tall man was talking with them, throwing banter and pleasantries at them as he was passing by, but none of them replied to the man. I tried to speak out myself, but I couldn't utter a word. A tight leather strap had pulled a wooden gag into my mouth, and all I could was drool into it and mumble. The man turned around, realizing that I was trying to say something. It almost looked like he was about to do something, which was when I woke up.

I don't know what to make of the whole thing, but it wasn't the end of strange things happening, because after we got back to Balmora, I was approached by a strange man, who introduced himself to me as a "Sleeper", one of the thousands, as he said, and he had a message for me. He even knew me by my name. His message was simple: "Dagoth Ur calls you, Aliya, and you cannot deny your Lord". He also talked about how the Sixth House has risen.

All I could think of was, "what the fuck"? I never got around writing about what that Hasphat told me regarding the Sixth House, which was called House Dagoth back in the first era, but he also told me that it doesn't exist anymore. This "Sleeper" seems to suggest otherwise, and who the fuck is Dagoth Ur anyway? Name suggests they must be connected somehow. I mentioned this all to Caius just a few minutes ago, and he nodded, commenting also that "We'll have to investigate this".

For now though, he just told me to sit tight, as he doesn't have another task for me yet. It's already past sunset too, so need to get some sleep.

Hearthfire, 5th, 3E 427

So, I got myself in trouble with the law today. I was looking to sell some of the stuff I had on me, which included loot from Arkngthand. I visited a local pawnshop owned by a lass named Dralasa Nithryon, asking if my goods interested me. The things that I was most excited to sell was a purse full of Dumacs, the silver coins that Dwemer used as their currency. I was gonna make so much money!

Big mistake.

She first started by getting awfully defensive, talking about why would I think she was willing to trade Dwemer artifacts, asking was I trying to get her in trouble, was I trying to get both of us in trouble? I didn't understand, so I asked what she meant. Well, I got to learn rather quickly when a guard came to me, apprehending me. He took care of my arms and asked me, what was I doing, where did I find these items. I answered to him as truthfully as I could, and it seemed to anger him just more. He brought me outside to be properly searched.

Up the stairs, I stood with my hands tied, with my face pushed against the wall a building just besides the Hlaalu Council Manor. Three Hlaalu Oathmen employed by the Legion as city guards were searching me, although it did feel to me more like sexual harassment than an actual search. That man was tapping me all over, groping me, while the other two were looking at the evidence, making sure that the Dumacs I was planning to sell were truly authentic and of Dwemer origin. Throughout the whole thing, I had no idea what was going on, and I was asking them to explain themselves. The man grabbing both my tits then insulted me. "Foolish outlander, you really should know trade of Dwemer artifacts is illegal by Imperial law."

Are you kidding me was all I was thinking. I genuinely didn't know, I had no idea. I mean, it's not like there are any remnants of Dwemer culture in Cyrodiil! It didn't really matter, as I was going to be punished either way. Not knowing wasn't an excuse to weasel myself out from my crime. Then again, these three men weren't too concerned about law either, as they were willing to allow themselves to be "bribed" to ignore my crime.

First of all, all these coins, possibly worth at least a thousand septims, were going to be confiscated, as they don't belong to me, but rather the Empire. Secondly, they didn't care too much about throwing me behind bars for thirty days, as that would've required too much effort on their part. Instead, they used the threat of imprisonment to blackmail me into having sex. I, of course, didn't like the idea, but even I knew that this humiliating punishment was going to be better than being hauled into jail, so I bit my tongue and complied.

They dragged me to a nearby guard tower situated at the edge of the manor district, built on top of a ledge overlooking Odai river running through the town. They dragged me to the underground barracks, where they stripped me naked, promising to keep my items safe in a chest. Considering that I was acting compliant, they also didn't bother to restrain me in any way. They just told me to get on bed and do as was told.

Five adult Dunmer men took turns raping me in those dark barracks, not giving me time to rest or breathe freely. All of it was simple vaginal sex - no anal, no kissing, no blowjobs - but it didn't make it much easier. By the time I was feeling done and practically begging for them to just let me go, they weren't even halfway through with me. I passed out from exhaustion at some point, don't remember much of what happened to me, but when I did eventually wake up, they simply told me to dress up and kindly fuck off. On my way out the door, one of them gave me a reminder not to do anything illegal again. "We're watching you, scum", he said, as he shooed me off.

Now, I can't really blame anyone else but myself for not doing research… But at the same time, Karim should've at least warned me to be more careful. I should've just went straight to the Thieves Guild's local fence… Sure, I wouldn't have been able to get as good of a price, but at very least, I would've gotten those Dumacs sold… Now they were just confiscated from me, and worst of all, I bet you they will just sell them for profit themselves, the absolute fucking bastards.

I should be angry and sad, but I'm just tired and frustrated at the whole situation… Tired of being still treated like a slave by some, treated like scum by others… I'm just frustrated because there's little I can do about it but suck it up…

Hearthfire, 7th, 3E 427

My stay with the Mages Guild has brought me a lot of knowledge. In addition to all the useful spells I used to know, I've learned quite a few new ones, like for example Soul Trap, a simple spell from the school of Mysticism that's basic for any aspiring Enchanter. Speaking of Enchanting, I managed to create my very first enchanted item as well, although it's not very useful. It's powered by a soul of a rat, so go figure. Ajira has also been teaching me Alchemy, and while I'm no good at figuring out which ingredients go well with each other, it's easier than Enchanting for now. I kind of want to get better at the latter though, because it has much more potential for great power, and since I'm already good with Mysticism.

One funny tip and trick Ajira told me - as a secret of course - was how to create recreational drug mixtures from Moon Sugar. "If you even happen to come across any", she said, "don't consume it as it is." She taught me a neat little trick of cooking it in low temperature together with Corkbulb in bags of Guar Hide, which greatly offsets the drawbacks of Moon Sugar consumption, making it much safer to smoke.

Why was she talking to me about drugs, I'm not sure… I don't plan on using any… Oh, but I bet you won't believe me now that I've written the instructions down! Doesn't help me make a convincing argument, doesn't it!? Ah, whatever…

Another two spells I learned rather quickly were two defensive spells, one which boosts my magical defenses to lessen the impact of incoming Magicka, and another one which allows me to absorb Magicka from spells casted against me. Ranis suggested this to me, as both would be vital for my survival, and I should always try to keep both of them up to make sure I can survive magical attacks. I'm not exactly built to handle enemy mages and the last thing I want is to be cooked alive by some crazy mage.

Apart from that, I've learned Frost and Shock spells to expand my arsenal. Nothing crazy. I was also taught one conjuration spell to summon a ghost, but I'm not good with that. It's strange that it isn't considered necromancy. Whatever, I suppose, since I'm not good with it anyway. Can't be a master of everything, you know. Still, I must say, I'm learning faster than I anticipated, faster than even Ranis anticipated. She has already promoted me to the rank of an Apprentice.

Ajira has also been very happy with me helping her, but the rewards for these easy and mundane tasks have been equally mundane. She's very apologetic about not being able to pay me much, but she supplies me with free potions and knowledge every now and then, which all go to good use. She also said that she heard I've been climbing ranks quickly, saying that people are impressed with my talents. I mean, I'm a good mage, what can I say? She almost admitted to being a little jealous of me, because she doesn't have the same innate talent that I do. I did compliment her on being such a great alchemist, said that I love her potions too, and she thanked me dearly.

Today she asked me about something a little bit more personal. She's made some dumb bet with another student, Galbedir, about who's going to become promoted to the rank of Apprentice first. Galbedir is a Bosmer of Valenwood and a little bit older than me, maybe like fourteen or something. She's similar to Ajira in the way that she wants to learn about crafts, not so much about becoming an adventurer. Her thing is Enchanting. I have no interest in sabotaging someone else's work… But that's what Ajira wanted me to do.

"Don't worry", she said. "It's just a small prank", she said. What she wants to do exactly is place some fake Soul Gem into her desk. She went on about how trying to fill it with a soul will release some spell from inside it, a spell that likely will cause more embarrassment to Galbedir than physical harm. I asked Ajira to explain, and she talked something about Galbedir going into spring-heat in the middle of autumn.

So first drugs, then pranks? I'm starting to see what kind of person Ajira is. And no, that's not an insult, as I find this part of her rather amusing. So, obviously, I went along with it. It's too bad I wasn't rewarded for my efforts…

She doesn't have any more real tasks for me either, but she did ask me, if I happen to come across a certain kind of bowl in any shop, to bring it to her. She'll pay me double. Not sure why it needs to be that specific bowl, but whatever.

Now, I'm ready to go to sleep.

Hearthfire, 9th, 3E 427

Of course, this bet between these two rivals has evolved into a real shitshow of playing pranks on each other, and wouldn't you know, I found myself at a receiving end of one prank too. That is, if you can even call it a prank at this point.

It started with Ajira coming to me, complaining about her research into the herbs I had collected had been stolen. She had already complained to Ranis, saying that this is theft, that this goes against Mage's Oath, that Galbedir should be kicked out for this, but Ranis doesn't care; she simply just told her to solve her own problems. Ajira is bit of a helpless little girl though, and she seems too afraid to approach Galbedir, who she believes to behind this sabotage and theft. I promised to stand up to my friend, and approached my senior for a chat.

Boldly, I asked if she had anything to do with this, but of course she denied everything. "Why would I even care?" she asked, saying that she's already been promoted to the rank of Apprentice. Does Ajira not know? Does she just have a grudge? Not sure. Galbedir said she'd even go as far as to let me look around her little shop and try to find any evidence of her wrongdoing, that's how confident she was about me not finding any evidence. I took up on the offer, which turned out to be a mistake.

That bitch had trapped one of her chests with a powerful paralyzing spell, and you know me… I may be a talented mage, but I'm also massively vulnerable to my enemy's spells, especially when I'm not anticipating an attack. So, of course, the spell put me completely out of commission. I couldn't move at all. She dragged me to her quarters which was right behind the door she was keeping her shop at, and pushed me on her bed.

She spoke to me, as she untightened the belt around her robe, preparing to take it off. "I take it, since you like doing pranks, that you also like receiving them." She then exposed to me her sleek and young naked body. "So, let's have some fun."

She started stripping me, while I was just gaping my mouth like fish. I had no idea why she was doing this. By the time some strength had returned to me, by the time I was able to ask what in Oblivion she was doing, she placed a cloth across my mouth to muffle my speech, and tied my hands behind my back too. She started going through drawers, looking for something. What she brough out was a dildo carved out of chitin, but I could tell that it wasn't all there was to it. She also had a little silvery gemstone with a tiny fragment of a Soul Gem embedded into it, and she started going on about how she has this hobby of creating naughty toys. "There isn't really a vendor dedicated to these kinds of toys in Balmora…" she said, while she approached me, and climbed on the bed, staring down my groin, which I was desperately trying to hide by keeping my legs shut. She was having none of it, and said I need to be taught some lessons.

She pressed that little vibrating piece of silver against my clitoris, and I moaned through my cloth as my entire body reacted from its touch. I couldn't help but to spread my legs completely for her. Happy with what she had accomplished, she took her fingers and stuck them inside me, while also going on to lick, suck and kiss my lips and my clit. I had no idea why she was doing this, but for some reason, I didn't feel like resisting at all. Everything she was doing was rather pleasant, although still extremely embarrassing. She toyed with me all the way to my climax, at which point my pussy was already soaking wet from being teased by her.

Oh, but she was far from done. She was just beginning. She went on to tease me about how I actually liked what was going on, and how I was making such a lewd face. I didn't react, didn't try to deny or admit to it. Instead, I just watched as she turned around on the bed, laying down besides me, with her hip besides me face and her hands and face right over my groin. She was holding the chitin dildo in her hands, and channeling her magicka through it. It was vibrating softly, and my body shuddered in anticipation. She stuck that thing right into my pussy, and I kept my legs spread for her throughout her advance.

She fucked me with that toy so gently, all while making sure to taste and tease my wet lips with her tongue. The way it was vibrating was maddening, and with each long and deep stroke she kept it pushed against my cervix for a second or two, twisting and turning it. I still can't get over it. She made me cum so hard, especially when she demonstrated that she can make it vibrate even harder. It even got to the point of being a little painful, as I just couldn't take the constant pleasure. I wanted a break, but I couldn't get it. She wanted to make me, and a quote, "squirt like a whore", and she got what she wanted.

After it was all done, she pulled the cloth from my mouth, and let me finally breathe properly. She asked me, why do I waste time helping that "kitty cat", and why would I even go as far as to try to play pranks on her. I said that I was just doing what was told, helping a friend out, but she didn't like the answer. Or, maybe she did. I don't know. "Maybe you shouldn't take orders from your inferior", she said, "unless, of course, you like being a servant for that good for nothing kitty cat."

Well, she just wanted to get back at me for doing that prank on her, and said that she actually likes me, unlike Ajira. "You actually have talent, unlike her", she said. "I respect that."

And so, she let me go, and let me dress up. I didn't even know what to say. When I was preparing to leave, she said where she hid those papers she "loaned" from Ajira, and gave me a slap on my ass, giggling playfully. "If you wanna", she said, "we can do this again…"

And so, that was the end of that. I returned to Ajira with her papers, and she thanked me dearly, thanking me for standing up to her. Well, I'm not sure if I truly succeeded… Whatever. It was confusing, but in hindsight, I have to say… I liked it very much! I told Ajira that I won't be helping her anymore though, and she took it well. "You've done more than enough already", she said.

However, she also had some advice, because she suspected that Ranis could be asking me for work. "Ajira does not like that woman", she said. "Be careful around her, try to look for work in other cities if she starts making unreasonable requests."

Sure enough, when I was leaving the Guild for the day, I was stopped by Ranis. She sat me down in her office and sighed, saying that I shouldn't waste any more time with my fellow rookies. She admits that she's been impressed with my growth, said that she's been talking with many other senior members of the Guild about my willingness to learn all kinds of new spells. "You're a natural", she said, "so how would you feel about doing some actual work for me? No picking mushrooms or flowers anymore, and no more silly pranks, no more getting involved in petty rivalries and bets."

Despite Ajira's warning, I was happy to hear what she was offering me, and to be honest, the work I was given sure took a big leap from mundane to potentially dangerous.

She had two missions for me, both of which are located in the same place, in a place called Sulipund, to the east from Balmora in the desolate and volcanic Molag Amur region. Sulipund is an ancient structure of the Velothi people, and a very typical place of settlement in some parts of Morrowind. Think of them kind of like mini-villages, which consist of only one building. I'm going there to try to reqruit a Telvanni wizard to the ranks of the Guild, as well as collect some taxes - or rather Guild dues - from an existing member. She also told me that should they refuse - as in both of them - I should kill them.

I immediately challenged her on resorting to violence, but it didn't sound like she appreciated me talking back to her. She started going on about how it's important for the Mages Guild to protect the sanctity of magic and safeguard it from falling into the hands of criminal organizations like House Telvanni. When I asked what she meant, saying that I've never heard anyone describe them as criminal, she just scoffed at me. "Just do what you're told, Apprentice. If not, then stop wasting my time", after that brief lash out, she left in a huff.

Fuck… What's her problem? Why send an apprentice on such an unsafe mission? I mean, she instructed me to kill them if they don't comply… Does she seriously expect me to be able to do something like that? What's more, she's told me that killing the members of the Guild is prohibited… Surely not being able to pay dues is not an offense worthy of death? Surely being a member of a competing magical institution isn't either?

She also said that the Telvanni are criminals. I don't know much about them, but I heard that they prefer to be isolated from the society and keep to themselves. Are these "Guilds" at odds with each other? That's probably the case based on what Ranis said.

I'm going to travel there to see what they're about. I mean, there's also a chance that Ranis is right, that they are truly as dangerous and problematic people as she says… I won't dare to go alone though. Karim already said he's interested in joining me on this trip as he's got nothing better to do!

Hearthfire, 10th, 3E 427

The road from Balmora to Sulipund is long and winding, and to top it off, grey and treacherous. Zig zag through the mountains, you can hear the rumbling of the ground underneath, and of the volcano to the north. Not many wildlife survive here - forget about vegetation - but the travelers are often tormented by Cliffracer attacks. I've never seen one before, and after today, I never want to see one again. They're these noisy birds that will attack any travelers on sight with absolutely no chill whatsoever and will not give up once they set their eyes on their pray. We were attacked by a whole flock at once, and they were pissing off Karim so badly because of being so hard to reach. Seeing him trying to ward them off with his sword would've been funny, if it wasn't for the fact that these birds were trying to dismember him into pieces. My magic proved quite effective against them, as I don't have to worry about being able to reach them, but I was left without any energy to cast anymore spells by the time we made it to our destination.

I got to see some sights on the way as well, like ruins of an old Daedric shrine and the Marandus stronghold, both of which we had no intentions of visiting, as we weren't interested in picking any unnecessary fights, especially not with anyone who could get us killed.

We weren't really made feel welcome in Sulipund at first, but we managed to talk to its resident after convincing them we came in peace. After talking with them, we were told that the first of our targets, Manwe, is conducting some research in a cave nearby. That's the woman we're supposed to gather dues from, by the way, so we visited her first.

We found her nearby entrance, where she had made herself some kind of makeshift office. When I told her that I was sent by Ranis, she seemed rather apologetic and said that she'll pay immediately. She did start muttering something about wanting to leave the Mages Guild though, as she really doesn't seem to like Ranis either. Is she really that hated in the Balmora guild? Prior to yesterday, I'd always only had good interactions with her.

As for Llarar Bereloth, the man I was supposed to convince to join the Mages Guild… That business didn't go at all as planned.

When I told him what I was sent to do, he said that I must be a fool. "You come to Telvanni territory trying to recruit me to your Guild?" he asked. When I told him that I had no idea that EVERYONE here is with the House Telvanni, he just laughed and said that I really must be as a fool. He wasn't offended though, as evident by the fact that he wanted to chat, and the fact that he was quite hospitable.

"Sit down, sera", he said, "let's have a chat." Her sat down besides the table he was standing close-by and poured me a drink, offering a mug to Karim as well. Like really, he seemed rather friendly from the get-go!

He first asked me, why did I join the Guild. I answered as truthfully as I could, and said that it was suggested to me when I came to this island because I needed to make allies, and because I want to - and also need to - learn more about magic. Then, he asked "suggested by who", and I had no reason to lie about that either. I'm an outlander fresh to this island, and not gonna leave anytime soon.

He called my goals relatable, but also said that I'm unlikely to find what I'm looking for in the Mages Guild. When I asked him to clarify what he meant, he said he thinks they just want me to become another puppet for the Empire, just another puppet unable to think for herself. "They want to centralize the study of magecraft under one united institution", he explained, "and to have a total monopoly on the subject. They want to control what kind of magic you can and can't use, who can and can't teach magic, so on and so forth. They even think that Levitation magic is unlawful. Can you believe those fetchers? If you truly care about learning, you shouldn't mingle with them."

Then, he explained why he joined House Telvanni. They offer him the freedom he wants; the freedom to study and practice magic as he pleases and sees fit. Everything's permitted as long as you've got the means to do it. They don't care if you're young or old, man or woman, native or outlander, you can even be a Vampire and they won't judge you! He finished by saying that if I at all agree with him, and agree that studying magic should not be centralized to some "Imperial institution of annoying busybodies", then maybe I would be a much better fit for the House Telvanni.

"You're young, sera", he said. "You have much to learn, and I suggest you take the opportunity to learn from the best, not from those who just wish to use you for their own selfish goals."

I can't help but to agree with what he said. I don't see the Empire as inherently evil like he does, but he does raise many convincing points. I told him that I was interested, but said that I'd have to consider it first. I mean, he could be just extremely biased… But at least he sparked my interest.

Well, obviously the recruitment failed on my part, and I have a feeling that trying to murder him for the crime of not wanting to join the Mage's Guild would be just wrong… I mean, if he doesn't want to, I shouldn't force him. It's not like he's a criminal or anything, right? He's super nice! In fact, everyone here seems nice, although they were a little unwelcoming at first. Maybe that's just because we're in the middle of nowhere. Can't help but to feel a little bit of stranger danger when there are bandits, highwaymen and smugglers about.

I hope Ranis will be happy with me being able to complete one of two tasks. If not, well… She can suck it.

As it is late, and as we're tired - both me and Karim - we were offered to stay for the night. There were some guest rooms downstairs. We were too tired to do anything dirty, and not really in the mood either, but for what it's worth, we cuddled for a good while before falling asleep. He's yet to wake up, hence why I'm writing this now, and not yesterday evening…

Hearthfire, 12th, 3E 427

As I suspected, Ranis wasn't too happy about the news I brought back to her, saying that she fully expected me to complete both tasks. I managed to convince her to forgive me for it though, by pointing out that she sent me into Telvanni base knowing full well that I could get myself killed there. When I asked her, is that what she truly wanted? Did she really want me to risk my life just so she could recruit someone else for the guild? She stared at me quietly for a while, and then apologized, admitting that I was right.

She explained to me why she hates the House Telvanni. Apparently, her parents were killed by the Archmagister of House Telvanni, which is why she just can't bring herself to forgive them. She also said that she's glad that I was at least honest, as the last thing she wanted from me was to return to her and start spewing lies and make excuses. She said she won't reward me monetarily, but she will give me good marks on the book for completing one of the tasks, which will help me advance in ranks in the long term. She also promised to find me more work, something that could be better suited for my current abilities.

In other news, Caius has a task for me again, and he's looking for more information. Last time it was regarding the Nerevarine prophecy which some locals believe in as well as the Sixth House… And this time it's regarding the subject of the prophecy, the Nerevarine himself. Caius sent me to collect information, and the name he gave me was that of Sharn gra-Muzgob, an Orc who I already know somewhat well, because she's with the Mages Guild.

I've never gotten a chance to talk to her because she's very busy, and she does NOT enjoy being interrupted at all. It seemed like she got annoyed just me asking her about Nerevarine, but at the same time, she realized that since I was eager to get valuable information from her, she was eager to send me on a task. What she needs is a skull. Yeah, I need to STEAL a skull from some wealthy family's ancestral tomb.

So wait, who am I working for again? The Blades, the Mages Guild, or the Thieves Guild? Never mind that, a skull?

She warned me that the Dunmer are really sensitive when it comes to the topic of necromancy, which just so happens to be illegal in this province, unlike in some other parts of the Empire. It's punishable by death penalty, and a mere suspicion of being a necromancer makes you prime target for being lynched by a mob. While I agree that mingling with corpses is disrespectful, I don't particularly care about necromancy myself, but it's highly suspicious that Sharn would be willing to send me on a task like this. Could she be necromancer herself? I'm afraid to even ask.

I'm also afraid of asking Karim to along with me on this journey, since he could very well be against this kind of stuff as well. He's much more concerned about law than me…

All I know is that I'll do this… If I can do this without being discovered, there won't be any trouble for me.

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